656th Tank Destroyer Battalion

Unit History: Activated on 3 April 1943, at Camp Bowie, Texas. Arrived in England in December, 1944. Disembarked at Le Havre, France, on 6 February, 1945, equipped with M18's. Entered the line near Friesenrath, Germany, on 28 February. Pushed toward Rhine River at Remagen and crossed into bridgehead beginning 7 March. Converted to the M36 late that month. Supported 9th Armored Division sweep to help encircle the Ruhr in early April and then dashed eastward to the Mulde River. Turned south and entered Czechoslovakia near St. Sedlo on 6 May. Attached to: 9th Armored Division; 78th Infantry Division. History text from the book The Tank Killers by Harry Yeide. Used by permission.

6.) Personal Narrative - This was written by a former veteran of the 656th, during the 1980's, in response to questions he recieved from the author doing research for an upcoming book on U. S. tank destroyer forces. Courtesy of the Tank Destroyer Association by L. L. Gill, TDA Historian.

3rd Platoon, 11-10-1944- Corporal Marshall Smith is sitting at the left end of the 2nd row from the front. Thanks to his son, Marshall, for the ID.

8.) HQ Company Photo - Taken at Camp Hood on March or May 18, 1944. The soldiers are individiually numbered and page two provides a full roster of names. Capt. Clarence M. Thieme is listed as the Commanding Officer. Provided courtesy of Paul Stevens.